(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education has issued a guidance document to every K-12 public school district in Connecticut in response to questions regarding the impact that recent changes in policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pertaining to immigration enforcement activities may have on school operations, student privacy, and the safeguarding of students while in school.
Both Connecticut and federal law protect a student’s right to attend public school, regardless of their immigration status. This guidance is intended to provide school districts and their governing bodies with an overview of state and federal laws pertaining to student rights and the responsibilities of school districts, and assure districts, students, and families that Connecticut is welcoming to all students. It is also intended to provide districts with a framework for the development of policies and procedures that protect student rights, consistent with state and federal laws.
“Our schools are primarily places for learning and growth. It is important for our students and families to feel welcome and protected by their schools so educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” Governor Lamont said. “To achieve this, we are supporting our school leaders in developing procedures that prioritize the protection of students and their information to the fullest extent permitted by the law.”
“Students are at their best when they are in school, fully engaged in learning, and feeling safe and supported by their school community,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “This guidance is designed to help school districts develop policies and procedures that are clear and aligned with state and federal law, while ensuring all students feel welcome in their classrooms.”
I caught up with Governor Lamont talking with Trumbull students outside the Aquaculture School and they were discussing football, so I had to ask him who he was rooting for the big game. He thought about it for a moment and said he thinks Buffalo is on the edge and overdue. They play their nemesis, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Saturday for the National Football Conference. Buffalo is the only team playing in New York.
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today advised Connecticut consumers and businesses of new rights and requirements set to go into effect on January 1, 2025 regarding opt out rights under the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA).
“We’re all familiar now with the ‘ask site not to track’ pop-ups. Starting January 1, you can install a simple browser extension to answer that question once and for all—and sites you visit will be responsible for knowing and following your preference. This is a key step forward for consumer privacy rights, and I urge consumers on January 1 to take advantage of this right to control their data,” said Attorney General Tong.
The CTDPA was enacted in July of last year—one of the first comprehensive consumer privacy laws in the country. Several of the CTDPA’s key provisions have subsequent effective dates, including a critical requirement that controllers honor global opt out preference signals (“OOPS”) sent by consumers. The OOPS provisions allow consumers the ability to opt out of targeted advertising and the sale of their personal data across all activities online in one place.
Beginning on January 1, 2025, Connecticut consumers can send their OOPS through a variety of platforms to “signal” to websites that they are opting out of targeted advertising and the sale of their personal data. Each consumer’s opt out “signal” will be sent automatically by using, for example, the Global Privacy Control through a privacy protective browser or browser extension. Over 40 million people already use the GPC.
All businesses covered by the CTDPA must respond to a consumer’s OOPS. This signal must be sent from a platform or mechanism that enables the business to accurately determine whether the consumer is a Connecticut resident. If a consumer’s OOPS conflicts with that consumer’s previously given privacy choice or their voluntary participation in that business’s loyalty rewards or discount program, the business must still comply with the OOPS. Though, the business may notify the consumer of the conflicting signals and ask the consumer to confirm their choice with the understanding that it would affect their previously given privacy choice or participation in their loyalty rewards or discount program.
Effective January 1, 2025, businesses subject to the CTDPA must treat Connecticut residents’ privacy preferences submitted through browser signals as requests to opt-out of sales or targeted advertising. To implement the GPC, businesses can get started here.
Consumers should note that not all Connecticut businesses are covered by the CTDPA. The law includes specific revenue thresholds and exempts certain industries regulated by other privacy frameworks—such as health care companies subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (HIPAA).
For more information about the CTDPA, visit the Attorney General’s FAQ page here.
The following are preliminary New Year’s holiday stats from Monday, 12/30/24, at 12:00 AM to Tuesday, 12/31/24, at 11:59 PM. from the Connecticut State Police:
Calls for service: 2,696 Total Traffic Stops: 651 DUI: 11
Traffic Services (Where CSP provided traffic-related services such as debris removal, assisting with disabled or hazardous motor vehicles, etc.): 186
Motor vehicle crashes: 145 with injuries: 8 with serious injuries: 1 (Glastonbury) with fatal injuries: 1 (Windsor)
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) introduced legislation to preserve and expand America’s national trail system. The Complete America’s Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.
Connecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails—the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.
“The system of National Scenic Trails provides access to truly extraordinary landscapes—accessing the beauty of nature and recreational opportunities,” said Blumenthal. “The Complete America’s Great Trails Act incentivizes landowners to help close gaps in our national trail system, ensuring we protect habitat from encroachment of development while expanding the trails themselves. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to preserve these treasured spaces.”
“The Complete America’s Great Trails Act will enhance, expand, and protect trails in America’s most treasured places, from Mt. Vernon to Mount St. Helens, by providing landowners with incentives to protect public access and natural landscapes along America’s National Scenic Trails,” said Connolly. “I am proud to lead this effort with Senator Blumenthal and look forward to our continued work together to protect these American treasures for generations to come.”
The Complete America’s Great Trails Act provides landowners who make a voluntary land contribution towards the completion of the National Scenic Trails with a tax credit equal to the fair market value of the portion of the land, furthering the goal of strengthening the connectivity and improving the maintenance of the trail system.
The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
The legislation is supported by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
“Walking and hiking in nature is a wonderful experience that brings with it many benefits, including good health, time with friends and family, and conserving the environment,” said Andy Bicking, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, the state’s oldest conservation organization that manages the 825-mile network of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. “We’re grateful for Senator Blumenthal’s leadership in reintroducing the Complete America’s Great Trails Act. The legislation will help protect national trail resources for future generations and secure access to the outdoors for all people.”
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act, legislation to expand the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to provide meaningful student debt relief to teachers, police officers, public health workers, and others who dedicate their careers to public service.
“Our nation’s dedicated public servants make incredible sacrifices for the betterment of our country, and they deserve relief from the immense weight of student debt,” said Blumenthal. “The Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act provides a helping hand to the loyal police officers, teachers, and healthcare workers serving our communities and expands opportunities to ease financial burdens—repaying a debt of gratitude to our public servants.”
“We should support students seeking a career in public service. That’s why I introduced the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act,” said Swalwell. “Too often students are prevented from pursuing a career in public service because of crippling college loan debt. This bill seeks to offer student loan forgiveness to teachers, police officers, public health workers and others who dedicate their careers to public service. Incentivizing students to seek public service careers while staying debt free will not only benefit our communities, but also allow students to freely make decisions for their future.”
The Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Act expands PSLF and eliminates uncertainty for borrowers. The legislation allows borrowers to receive forgiveness for their loans in qualifying intervals, further incentivizing individuals to pursue careers in public service.
The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released the 2024 Connecticut Broadband Report, which details transformative progress made recently in the state’s mission to achieve universal broadband access and close the digital divide.
Authored by DEEP in consultation with the Commission for Educational Technology, the Office of Consumer Counsel, and the Office of Policy and Management, the report evaluates the state’s efforts to expand broadband availability, adoption, and affordability, while addressing key challenges to digital equity. Connecticut General Statutes § 16-330c requires DEEP to produce the report biannually and present it to the governor.
“Expanding broadband has been a team effort, and I’m proud of the progress we are making together,” Governor Lamont said. “Still, our mission isn’t complete. We’ll keep working with communities, businesses, and local leaders to guarantee that everyone in Connecticut, no matter where they live, can benefit from the opportunities high-speed internet provides. As technology evolves, so must we. Ensuring every resident can access fast, reliable broadband will remain at the heart of our efforts moving forward.”
The report showcases significant milestones in Connecticut’s journey toward its goal of ensuring broadband internet speeds of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) download and 100 megabits per second (Mbps) upload for all residents. Notable achievements include:
$28 million in grants to expand internet access: In October 2024, the state announced $28 million in grants to extend broadband access to more than 3,000 unserved and underserved locations. A second round of grant applications is currently underway, reinforcing the state’s commitment to closing service gaps.
Fewer homes without internet options: Since 2022, the percentage of homes lacking basic broadband speeds (25 Mbps/3 Mbps) has dropped from 1.7% to just 0.4%. This progress has been tracked by six semi-annual data collections and enhanced serviceability insights enabled by state and federal legislation.
More access to gigabit-speed internet: By mid-2024, nearly 850,000 locations statewide had access to gigabit symmetrical broadband – a dramatic increase from 2022, when few residential and small business locations had access to these speeds and performance quality. The proportion of locations meeting the state’s gigabit-speed goal rose significantly, with only 13% left to reach, compared to 62% in 2022.
Lower costs, more choice: The number of locations served by a single provider dropped by approximately 60%, from more than 500,000 in 2022 to 202,226 in 2024. Increased competition has contributed to improved service quality and more affordable pricing options for residents.
More families and businesses getting online: Connecticut’s household internet subscription rate now stands at 92.2%, supported by targeted initiatives to overcome price and nonprice barriers. Community-centered events have been instrumental in addressing disparities, and the state’s comprehensive Digital Equity Plan will continue to drive progress in the coming years.
“Under Governor Lamont’s leadership we are using these historic levels of federal funds for broadband to make Connecticut one of the most connected states in the country,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “We’ve dramatically expanded the availability of gigabit-speed broadband to nearly 850,000 locations statewide by mid-2024. We’ve increased basic access to 99.6% of Connecticut households and improved adoption to 92.2% of homes where broadband is available. We are well on our way to closing the broadband access divide once and for all.”
Spearheaded by the Lamont administration in 2021, Connecticut General Statutes § 16-330c originated from Public Act 21-159, An Act Concerning Equitable Access to Broadband. This landmark legislation established a framework to expand broadband access and promote digital equity statewide. It requires the development of a comprehensive broadband map and mandates regular reporting to the governor on grant awards, progress toward universal high-speed internet access, and barriers to adoption such as affordability and digital literacy. This legislation serves as the foundation for Connecticut’s ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and ensure equitable internet access for all residents.
The report also highlights the ongoing outreach efforts and anticipated grant funding to support additional connections and foster digital literacy through statewide programs. While challenges remain, the steady progress reflects the strength of Connecticut’s strategic interagency collaboration and targeted investments.
Anyone in Need of Shelter Is Urged To Call 2-1-1 or View the List of Locations at 211ct.org
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times,” Governor Lamont said. “Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at 211ct.org. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
HARTFORD – Senator Tony Hwang has officially been reappointed by Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding to serve as Chief Deputy Leader of the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus for the upcoming 2025-2026 session of the Connecticut General Assembly.
Hwang was also appointed to be the Republican Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Aging Committee. This committee has cognizance over all matters pertaining to senior citizens. Senator Hwang has long championed issues benefiting seniors, furthering efforts to allow Connecticut’s elderly residents to age in the setting of their choice.
Senate Republican LeaderStephen Harding in his appointment of Hwang said, “Senator Hwang has been a strong leader in our caucus, playing an integral role in accomplishing major goals for Senate Republicans, as well as the people of Connecticut. Senator Hwang has consistently been a champion for Connecticut seniors and for bipartisan, common-sense compassionate policies which help seniors age in place. He is an ideal person to serve in this leadership role.”
Senator Hwang has supported efforts in recent years to combat elder fraud and abuse, protecting seniors from insidious scams. He has also supported increased respite services for family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In 2023, Senator Hwang voted to expand eligibility for Medicaid Long-Term Care (LTC) Services, and has fought to protect ratepayers of LTC insurance policies. Senator Hwang will continue the work done by the Aging Committee in PA 24-39 and PA 24-141. These bills sought to improve both the quality of life of residents in nursing homes and those aging in place. Senator Hwang applauded the past work of the Aging Committee passing policies such as creating an online nursing home consumer dashboard and limiting the number of residents in a singular nursing home room. He looks forward to joining the committee and working on issues such as aging in place initiatives and homecare and nursing home affordability.
Senator Hwang remarked, “Our senior residents have spent their lives contributing to Connecticut communities. It is essential that we respect their value, diversity and contributions and we should help with their unique needs. Now, as a leader on the Aging Committee, I will strive to maintain healthcare quality and access, improve utility affordability, lower costs of healthcare/prescription drugs, and address taxation issues for our seniors so they may live and thrive in our communities. We must continue this state’s public safety work to protect them from crime, fraud and abuse.”
Letters Will Be Mailed Beginning December 23 Notifying Individuals and Families That Their Medical Debt Has Been Erased
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that nearly 23,000 Connecticut residents who have medical debt will be notified in the coming days that some or all of that debt has been eliminated under the first round of a major initiative his administration launched through a partnership with the national nonprofit organization Undue Medical Debt.
The nonprofit contracts with state and local governments and leverages public investments to negotiate with hospitals and other providers on the elimination of large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt owed by patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level or who have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income. (The current federal poverty level is an annual income at or below $31,200 for a family of four.) Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and belong to those least able to pay, they cost a fraction of their face value.
Under this first round, the Lamont administration invested approximately $100,000 from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Undue Medical Debt was able to negotiate with a secondary market partner (i.e. collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.
There is no application process for this medical debt relief and it cannot be requested. Instead, residents whose debt has been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt indicating which debt or debts have been eliminated. Letters under this first round will be delivered to Connecticut residents through the U.S. mail beginning December 23, 2024.
Governor Lamont said that his administration intends on continuing to partner with Undue Medical Debt to enact further rounds of medical debt elimination. The governor and the Connecticut General Assembly worked together to make $6.5 million in ARPA funding available for this initiative.
“Medical debt comes to patients at an extraordinarily difficult time when they are dealing with serious health ailments, and it can frequently follow them around for decades and impact nearly every aspect of their lives,” Governor Lamont said. “This erasure will lift the significant emotional toll that this type of debt has on individuals who do not have the means to get out from under their debt, especially for those who are simultaneously experiencing significant medical problems. This first round will provide relief for thousands of Connecticut residents, and I am hopeful that by continuing this partnership with Undue Medical Debt, we can help thousands more Connecticut residents get their debt relieved.”
“We’re very grateful to the State of Connecticut for this sizable investment in medical debt relief and I’m glad this first round of letters is landing in time for the holiday season,” Allison Sesso, CEO and president of Undue Medical Debt CEO and president said. “Debt relief is only one, albeit important, piece of the puzzle in removing an emotional and financial burden on families. I’m very glad that Governor Lamont has also committed to upstream solutions by way of legislation to ensure medical debts do not negatively impact one’s credit score.”
In addition to this initiative, Governor Lamont recently signed legislation enacting a law that prohibits health care providers and hospitals in Connecticut from reporting a person’s medical debt to credit rating agencies for use in credit reports. That new law – which went into effect on July 1, 2024 – was enacted to protect patients who may have otherwise been apprehensive about seeking essential medical care for fear that any inability to pay could negatively impact their credit rating.
